First flight, bad flight

What reportedly happened: The flight was the new owner’s first flight in the airplane. He said the wind was calm when he lined up for takeoff, but as he started the takeoff roll, a left quartering wind blew the airplane off the runway and into a ditch where it nosed over.

According to the pilot, once the airplane’s wheel got onto the grass, he was unable to recover directional control.

Probable cause: The pilot’s inadequate compensation for the crosswind conditions during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of directional control.